Happiness
Clary-Pura 1
Shirley ClaryPura
Professor Mires
Phil 1301-2A1
01 February 1, 2018
Summary of Happiness
Introduction
In defining the meaning of happiness, the article, ‘Happiness,’ is divided into five different topic areas, these are, The Meanings of Happiness, Theories of Happiness, The Science of Happiness, Importance of Happiness, and the Pursuit and Promotion of Happiness. Each of the different topics takes to define different views on happiness, and its value to the life of a human. It is through this continued inquiry on how happiness affects the life of different individuals that the article completely delineates subject that is happiness.
“ Summary of The Meanings of Happiness”
The meaning of happiness is a philosophical question that comes to be an issue of debate. Philosophers have described it as well-being or flourishing. While this is not a definitive answer, there are two senses of happiness that delineate the philosophical understanding of what it entails. These are happiness as a state of mind and happiness as a measure of the value of wellness in the life that a person leads (Haybron, 2011). In the first sense, the definition of happiness refers to the psychological sense of an individual. In the second sense, the underlying understanding of happiness is tied to the welfare and utility derived from the quality of life that the individual leads.
“Summary of Theories of Happiness”
Several theories can be used in defining happiness. The first is the hedonist and life satisfaction theory. Under this theory, happiness is defined as a balance between the pleasant and unpleasant experiences in life. This balance is, in fact, improves one’s understanding of happiness. The life satisfaction theory, on the other hand, identifies happiness as having a positive attitude in life (Haybron 2011). The life satisfaction theory is dependent on the societal view of how one’s life is fairing. The achievements also play an important role in defining what exactly is perceived as happiness.
“Summary of Emotional State of View”
Another theory that is discussed in the article is the emotional state view. Under this theory, happiness is defined as an experience and not an amalgamation of different events in one’s life. It is a pleasant emotion. The mood of an individual in this category is a significant influence on their degree of happiness. The emotional state view looks at the involvement if emotional moods as the primary indicator of happiness (Haybron 2011). Other psychological and physical factors do not affect how the individual perceived happiness. The article then describes hybrid theories where different institutions are the basis for finding happiness. These are life satisfaction, pleasure, and emotional well being.
“ Summary of Science of Happiness”
Another important issue that is discussed in the article is the Science of Happiness. Under this inquiry, the author seeks to understand if happiness can be measured. The article discusses the arbitrary nature of happiness but offers some understanding of how it might be measured. For instances, the self-reports that an infidel gives is taken as an important consideration of how happiness is perceived (Haybron 2011). When a person specifically states that they are happy, then they can go ahead and define the extent of their happiness. A second consideration is comparing how different persons perceive happiness and their definition of happiness. These cross-cultural comparisons of what it means to be happy is another standard that can be used to gauge how happy a person is (Haybron 2011). It is, however, important to note that there are not objective measures of happiness.
“Summary of Value of Happiness”
The authors then go ahead and discuss the Value of Happiness in the life of a human being. The article first deters from the hedonist theory in that happiness is not subject to mental wellness but rather a function of other physical influences. It is however important that an individual is happy as it directly affects the quality of life they lead. From the article, a person who is happy is more likely to have a fuller more complete life compared to those who are not happy. Secondly, there is a doctrine of virtue that is associated with being happy. A person that is happy often has a moral triumph in their life and therefore have reason to be happy (Haybron, 2011).
“Summary of The Pursuit and Promotion of Happiness”
The final issue that the article discusses the Pursuit and Promotion of Happiness. The pursuit of happiness is defined as an individual and collective activity. Given that philosophers defined happiness as an issue that precedes morality in life, it is important that an individual consistently seek to exude happiness. For this reason, the use of drugs as a substitute and means of being happy is a flawed and often completely misguided of what it means to be happy (Haybron, 2011). It is important that virtue motivate the motivation of personal happiness. Exuding empathy, kindness and gratitude are some of the approaches that are likely to realize collective personal happiness. The author also discusses some of the mistakes that one might make in pursuit of their happiness. The author also discusses some of the mistakes that one might make in their pursuit of happiness (Haybron, 2011). For instance, one out not to consistently seek to be happy but rather focus on making others happy through their deeds. In this manner, a person is in a better position, realizing a full and satisfactory life.
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